Quick and Simple

• To use steam-in bags, cut the vegetables into uniform pieces. Add any dry seasonings, such as basil, thyme or rosemary, along with a tablespoon or two of water. Lay the bag flat in the microwave. Most bags have instructions indicating which side should face up. Microwave the bag for two to five minutes, or according to package directions. The vegetables are done when they're just tender but not mushy. Add liquid ingredients, such as oil, butter or soy sauce, after cooking. Shake the bag to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Study Results

• One of the main concerns about using plastic bags in the microwave is the possibility of harmful chemicals leaching into food. A 2013 study from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in Boston suggests that phthalates and BPA, two chemicals sometimes found in plastic, may be linked to infertility issues. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reviewed studies on BPA, however, and found no convincing evidence to support these claims. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that phthalates have caused infertility in laboratory rats, but more research is needed about phthalates' effects on humans. An independent study by "Good Housekeeping" magazine tested 30 plastic products -- including zip and steam-type plastic bags -- for the presence of phthalates and BPA. None of the bags tested contained either chemical.

Health Foods

• When it comes to food quality and nutrition, microwaving vegetables may help them retain nutrients because of the short cooking times, according to Harvard University. The quality and nutritional value of foods is diminished after long cooking times and too much water. Steam-in bags typically cook vegetables in five minutes or less, and need just a tablespoon or two of water. Steamed vegetables come out crisp, brightly colored and tasty. Even frozen vegetables taste surprisingly fresh.

Serious About Safety

• Steam-in bags likely won't leach toxic chemicals or ruin your food, but they can cause serious burns. When you remove a bag from the microwave, both the bag and the food is very hot. Let the bag cool in the microwave for one minute before you remove it. Wear an oven mitt when handling the bag and open it carefully. Steam from the bag can cause burns, so hold the bag away from your body when opening it.